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The grapes for the Bianco di Sei Sorelle come from the Diamond Pile Ranch in the Petaluma Gap. This ranch grows low yielding grapevines planted in deep clay soils with a westward facing slope. This limits vigor while providing excellent conditions for sunshine and ripening. The cool fog and wind barrages the vineyard, slowing the ripening and retaining lively acidity while allowing flavors to develop slowly to a crescendo at harvest. The grapes were handpicked in the early morning to retain their vibrancy and natural flavor. At the winery, the grapes were destemmed and gently pressed into a tank ready for fermentation. Fermentation began naturally and completed at a very cool temperature to retain acidity and fruitiness. The lees were stirred regularly to further enhance the richness.

“The Bianco di Sei Sorelle has delightful aromas of citrus, green apple, pineapple, almond and grapefruit. It has great weight and texture with balanced acidity that keeps the palate fresh and gives it excellent length. It would be an ideal wine with light pasta dishes, chicken or seafood.” – Charlie Tsegeletos, winemaker.

DIRECTIONS:• Bake croutons – Preheat oven to 400℉. Toss bread cubes with oil and salt in a large shallow baking pan and spread in one layer. Bake, turning over once, until golden and crisp, about 8 minutes. Cool in pan on rack.
• Make Vinaigrette – Whisk together all ingredients except oil in small bowl. Add oil in a slow stream, whisking until emulsified.
• Toss chicken and bocconcini together with ¼ cup vinaigrette in a bowl and let stand for 10 minutes.
• Make salad – Toss together romaine, fennel, red peppers, olives, chicken mixture, croutons and remaining dressing in a large bowl until combined.
• Serve with a glass of Bianco di Sei Sorelle. Recipe courtesy of Epicurious at Yummly.com

Masion L’Envoyé
Bourgogne Blanc
Chardonnay
Burgundy, France

While Mâcon is known for its fresh, simple whites, recent investments by top Burgundian producers have resulted in more conscientious winemaking. The Mâconnais district’s 21 mile stretch boasts a geology not dissimilar to the famed Côte de Beaune to its north. Mâcon’s epicenter, Mont de Pouilly, rises gently with alkaline clay covering a stark limestone base, a nirvana for the Chardonnay vines that laze smugly along the river Saône. The grapes were hand-picked on September 7th then pressed direct, settled overnight, and fermented with indigenous yeast in seasoned barriques. The wine matured for 12-14 months prior to bottling.

“From two mature vineyards in La Roche Vineuse, this is a classic Chardonnay with a nose of citrus fruits and lemon zest. The weighty, textured mid-palate boasts flavors of grilled nuts and stone fruit, while a long line of vibrant acidity enlivens the finish.” – Mark Tarlov, Co-Founder

May Winery SpotlightOregon vs. France

Drouhin vs. Drouhin Tasting Event>> RSVP at your local WineStyles <<

Our WineStyles team had the privilege of touring and tasting at Domaine Drouhin, just outside of Portland Oregon. We hope you’ll enjoy this unique winery spotlight tasting, featuring Drouhin wines from Oregon and France…..and bring home a few extra bottles to continue enjoying at home, as we did 🙂

ABOUT MAISON JOSEPH DROUHIN, FRANCE

For the last 130 years, Maison Joseph Drouhin has been in the hands of the Drouhin family. With close to 90 different appellations, Joseph Drouhin offers a fascinating array of Burgundy terroirs in all their authenticity and subtle variations.

With its 73 hectares (182.5 acres), the Joseph Drouhin Domaine is one of the largest estates in the region. It owns vineyards in all of Burgundy: Chablis (95 acres), Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune, (80 acres), Côte Chalonnaise (7.5 acres). It is comprised of a majority of Premier and Grand Crus, planted with the two Burgundian grape varietals, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

The Domaine was put together through the years, thanks to judicious purchases and agreements between families. Some vineyards are among the most famous in Burgundy, such as Clos des Mouches, Montrachet Marquis de Laguiche, Musigny, Clos de Vougeot, Corton-Charlemagne, etc. For some village or regional appellations, Joseph Drouhin complements its supplies by purchasing grapes from other vineyard owners who have been long time partners and share the same quest of excellence. Starting with the vintage 2008, the name “Vaudon” was associated with Joseph Drouhin for all its Chablis wines as a sign of the firm’s allegiance to this historical terroir.

A FAMILY HERITAGEToday, the House of Joseph Drouhin is run by Joseph’s four grand children, born between 1961 and 1968. They practically grew up in the vineyards and cellars. They acquired their knowledge from their father Robert Drouhin, while at their side. Each of the grandchild have a role to play within the business and each shares the same passion for vine and wine. From vintage to vintage, they perpetuate the tradition and do not shy away from innovation in their search for elegance and perfection, the hallmark of Maison Joseph Drouhin.

ABOUT DOMAINE DROUHIN, OREGON

The Drouhin Family’s winemaking roots run deep, having taken hold in Burgundy’s best vineyards more than a century ago. Through the years, there has been a very clear link, a continuum, that inhabits Maison Joseph Drouhin, and now Domaine Drouhin Oregon.

The estate winery in the Dundee Hills creates elegant, fine Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines forged from their family’s tradition of fine winemaking in France. For more than 25 years, the Drouhin Family has brought a wealth of hard-earned experience to their vineyards in the Willamette Valley, just southwest of Portland, Oregon.

The Drouhin Oregon estate was established in the late 1980s, but their winemaking roots were planted in Burgundy a century earlier, when Joseph Drouhin moved from Chablis to Beaune, and in 1880 founded Maison Joseph Drouhin. He was succeeded by his son, the brilliant Maurice Drouhin, who dedicated his life to making fine wine. In 1957, Robert Drouhin became the third generation to run the business. He first “discovered” Oregon on a 1961 visit, and then again during the 1979 and ’80 blind tastings in Paris and Burgundy (the latter of which Robert organized) that put Oregon wines on the world map. Robert recognized that it was Oregon, more so than California, whose soils and climate could unlock the complexities and potential of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the United States.

Drouhin Winery Spotlight Tasting*
Oregon vs. France

Vaudon Chablis

Pouilly Vinzelles

Chassagne Montrachet

DDO Arthur

Roserock Chardonnay

Meursault

Cote de Nuits Villages

Cote de Beaune

Chambolle Musigny

DDO PN

Roserock PN

Gevrey Chambertin

Limited Seating Available – Reserve your seat ASAP!

Contact your local WineStyles to RSVP!

*See your local store for the specific wines to be tasted, may vary by location or region.

ABOUT LEEUWIN ESTATE

Family owned, Leeuwin Estate, one of the five founding wineries of the now famous Margaret River district of Western Australia, is under the direction of two generations who work with a team of highly skilled winemakers to consistently produce wines ranking alongside the world’s finest. In 1972, legendary Napa Valley winemaker, Robert Mondavi, identified the future site of the Leeuwin vineyard as being ideal for the production of premium wine and provided early mentorship to Denis and Tricia Horgan in the transformation of their cattle farm into Leeuwin Estate.

Enjoying its first commercial vintage in 1979, Leeuwin was thrust into the international spotlight when Decanter Magazine gave its highest recommendation to the 1980 “Art Series” Chardonnay. The international accolades have continued and Leeuwin now exports to 30 markets. Celebrating the combination of fine wine, food, art and music, Leeuwin features an award-winning restaurant, Cellar Door and art gallery. The Estate is renowned for staging spectacular events and welcoming visitors from around the world.

Founded in 1861 by Charles Krug, it is the oldest winery in Napa Valley. In 1943, the winery was purchased by Cesare and Rosa Mondavi and ran by their sons Peter and Robert. Four generations later, the Mondavi family continues their legacy that started more than 70 years ago. Please join us as we Taste, Learn and Enjoy® these historic and delicious wines from Charles Krug winery.

ABOUT CHARLES KRUG WINERY and MONDAVI FAMILY

Charles Krug

The winery was founded in 1861 by a then 36-year-old Charles Krug. Just nine years after coming to America, he built what would become the cornerstone of Napa Valley. Charles Krug introduced the cider press for winemaking, the first of which is still on display at the winery. He carefully selected rootstocks, varietals, vine spacing and vineyard sites — a novel concept in late 19th century America.

In 1943, Cesare and Rosa Mondavi purchased the Charles Krug Winery for their sons Peter and Robert to run. They undertook an extensive program to develop quality vineyards, enhance winemaking techniques and increase marketing efforts.

In 1963, Peter Mondavi, Sr. introduced French oak barrels to age wines, citing their superior quality to the American oak popular at that time. He also introduced the use of glass-lined tanks to gain more control over the winemaking process. The winery was among the first California producers to label wines by varietal. In February 2016, Peter Mondavi Sr. passed away at the age of 101. His sons Marc and Peter Jr. continue his legacy by leading the way at Charles Krug Winery.

Mondavi Family

Today, Charles Krug Winery is under the direction of brothers Marc and Peter Mondavi, Jr., who steward the family business passed to them by their father, legendary Napa Valley wine icon Peter Mondavi, Sr. The family is now proudly welcoming members of the fourth generation to the business, continuing a legacy started more than 70 years ago, and setting a foundation for generations to come.

WALT Wines are dedicated to Kathryn Hall’s parents, Bob and Delores Walt, who were dedicated wine growers and their love of the vineyards inspired Kathryn to carry on the tradition. Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy!®

ABOUT HALL WINERY

Kathryn Walt Hall is the proprietor of HALL Wines and WALT Wines, and has been involved in the California wine industry since her family first purchased a vineyard in the 1970’s. She has had a distinguished career as a successful businesswoman, attorney, community activist, and as the United States Ambassador to Austria.

HALL Wines are passionate about environmental responsibility and sustainable stewardship of their land. Their vineyards have been certified organic by the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF). Farming organically involves committing to two principles: ecological production and maintaining organic integrity. Hall values the land and also value its creation, which is why they continue the tradition of hand picking all of the grapes throughout their estate vineyards. Once the grapes are brought to the winemaking facility, the grapes are processed with innovative techniques to ensure the highest standard and quality of wine.

“Since launching HALL Wines, we have been dedicated to the preservation of the environment and bringing innovation to Napa Valley. HALL Wines is always looking for new ways to provide support and dedication to the sustainable-living movement. We continue to reinforce our commitment to the health of the land, as well as that of the greater Napa Valley ecosystem”, notes Ambassador Kathryn Hall, HALL Wines owner and vintner.

WALT Wines, owned by Vintners Kathryn Walt Hall and Craig Hall, is dedicated to the production of premier Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Pacific Coast’s most distinctive vineyard sites, spanning nearly 1000 miles and including Sta. Rita Hills, Sonoma County, Anderson Valley, Napa Valley and the Willamette Valley. With their philosophy of precision, non-interventionist winemaking, it allows the wines to naturally and honestly express the character of the site where the wines are grown.

The team at Walt Wines believes in hand sorting every berry; pressing Chardonnay as whole clusters; allowing native yeast fermentation; encouraging a long malolactic fermentation with weekly batonnage and topping off; barrel aging on lees to create more texture, richness, and complexity; and never fining or filtering. Holding true to these methods means there is no room for error or shortcuts, but the reward is a complex, expressive, complete wine.

Our WineStyles team had the privilege of touring and tasting at Fess Parker’s Winery and Vineyards last year. Not only is the winery a beautiful property in Santa Ynez Valley, it also offers equally beautiful wines. We hope you will enjoy the Fess Parker winery experience as much as we did….and bring home a few extra bottles to continue enjoying at home, as we did 🙂

ABOUT FESS PARKER WINERY and FAMILY

When Fess Parker was cast in the role of Davy Crockett in the mid-1950’s, it caused an international sensation and changed his life forever. So too did the purchase of 714 acres in the Santa Ynez Valley change the course of the Parker family’s history.

Driving north along the pastoral Foxen Canyon Wine Trail feels like traveling back to California’s early days. Rolling hills frame vast meadows, deer and wildlife roam free, and pristine landscapes stretch as far as the eye can see. Realizing the potential of Santa Barbara County as a premium grape-growing region, Fess and his son, Eli, originally set out in 1989 to plant a small vineyard and sell fruit to local producers. But, as Fess’ daughter, Ashley explains, “ Fess is from Texas, so he can’t do anything small. “The Fess Parker Winery and Vineyard now farms almost 700 acres on four vineyards throughout Santa Barbara County.

Eli Parker and his sister Ashley continue to stay involved as stewards of the family’s vision for the winery while Ashley’s husband Tim Snider serves as President and oversees day-to-day operations. The family’s vineyard is the 120-acre Rodney’s Vineyard, named after Fess Parker’s late son-in-law, at the 400-acre Foxen Canyon Road estate where the winery is located. They also source grapes from Camp Four vineyard in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley, which Parker planted in 1998 as well as vineyards in the cooler Sta. Rita Hills and Santa Maria Valley appellations. Blair Fox assumed the role of head winemaker in 2005. In recent years, the winery has sharpened its focus to produce more small-lot, vineyard-designated wines made from high-quality Rhone and Burgundian varietals, which have won awards in national wine competitions.

Completed in 1994, the new winery and tasting room are loosely designed after an Australian sheep station, with a grand stone fireplace, stone floors, and a wraparound veranda with picnic tables. The spacious complex is set amid an acre of meticulously landscaped grounds that border the vineyard. The amphitheater-style lawn, rimmed by mature oaks, provides a serene setting for picnics, summer evening performances by Shakespeare Santa Barbara, and other events. Indoors, visitors taste the latest vintages at a worn knotty pine bar, surrounded by photos of Fess Parker as Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone and other memorabilia related to the actor’s television roles.

Working as a family has always been a great source of pride and pleasure for the Parker family. Eli Parker began in the family business as assistant winemaker in 1989. After several years of learning the craft at the side of renowned and accomplished winemakers, Eli took the reigns as winemaker himself with the 1995 vintage. A leader of the winery since its inception, it was in 1996 that Eli formally assumed the title and responsibilities of President. In the early 1990’s, Ashley ran the first tastings out of the barrel room and represented the winery at trade shows. In 1998, Ashley became Eli’s partner, working on the public relations and sales and marketing teams. The presence of Fess and his wife Marcy as the founding visionaries of the winery is a vital and enduring one.

Join us for a Winery Spotlight tasting event, featuring Greywacke wines of Marlborough, New Zealand.

Kevin Judd, winemaker

One of Marlborough’s pioneering winemakers, Kevin Judd’s career is intrinsically linked with Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Established in 2009, Judd’s label Greywacke (pronounced “grey-wacky”) is the fulfillment of a long-held dream. Named after New Zealand’s prolific bedrock, Greywacke was originally adopted by Kevin and his wife Kimberley as the name for their first Marlborough vineyard in Rapaura, whose soils have an abundance of these river stones. Greywacke sources fruit from mature vineyards within Marlborough’s central Wairau Plains and the Southern Valleys. Also an established professional photographer, Judd’s home in the Omaka Valley overlooking Marlborough’s picturesque vineyards provides inspiration for both his passions.

The Greywacke portfolio is based on the Marlborough region’s signature varieties, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. The Sauvignon Blanc is crafted in two distinctive styles: classically pure Marlborough Sauvignon, and an alternative wild yeast-fermented, oak-aged Sauvignon. In addition, Kevin indulges his creative drive with small parcels of Chardonnay, along with aromatic varieties Pinot Gris and Riesling. When the season graces this idyllic region with ideal conditions, limited releases of late harvest wines from the aromatic varieties are produced.

Hand harvesting Riesling, at Ashmore Vineyard for Greywacke – the new Marlborough label of Kevin Judd, Marlborough, New Zealand

The wines of Marlborough are known worldwide for their precision, intensity, and distinctiveness, bequeathed by an extraordinary climate and a diverse collection of soils. The expression of unique sites within this distinguished environment lifts the wines of Greywacke to another level. Kevin takes a low-intervention approach to winemaking in order to coax the finest nuance of individuality from each hand-selected vineyard parcel, while maintaining the aromatic intensity for which Marlborough is renowned. Purity of varietal expression is a foregone conclusion in the fruit Kevin works with; indigenous yeast are then left to run their course in new and older French oak barriques, ensuring ample texture and complexity in these compelling wines. Already garnering worldwide acclaim, they show a common thread of layered concentration, fine structure and invigorating freshness.

DIRECTIONS:
Heat the oven to 425ºF. Spread the vegetables and ginger matchsticks in a large, low-sided roasting pan or a heavy rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with butter and season with salt and pepper. Toss to evenly coat the vegetables and spread them out, so that they’re just one layer deep. Roast the vegetables, tossing a couple of times, until tender and golden brown in spots, about 30 minutes. Combine the grated ginger and maple syrup. Drizzle the vegetables with the maple-ginger mixture, toss, and roast for another 5 minutes. The vegetables should be very tender and browned in spots. Serve warm. Serves 4. Recipe courtesy of FineCooking.com , Eva Katz, Issue 55

Scheid Family Wines
Metz Road
Estate Grown Chardonnay
Monterey, CA

The namesake Metz Road runs alongside Scheid Family Wines’ Riverview Vineyard, the site of their Estate grown Chardonnay. Located in the northernmost vineyard in Monterey County, Riverview is located two miles southeast of Soledad and adjacent to the Pinnacles, nestled on a bench overlooking the Salinas River. The bench location aids in creating excellent air flow and maximizes available sunlight and allows the fruit to ripen slowly and evenly. Riverview is an ideal site for ultra-premium Chardonnay with a Burgundian flavor profile. The cool climate produces a steely style, with distinct notes of minerality.

“Juicy red apples, citrus and bright tropical fruit greet the nose, followed by lilting aromas of vanilla and toasty oak. The palate delivers concentrated apple and pear flavors with a distinct mineral component. Beautifully balanced, the well-integrated oak doesn’t overpower and a soft, full mouthfeel is complemented by balanced acidity.”, Dave Nagengast winemaker.

Ridge Vineyards, California

The history of Ridge Vineyards begins in 1885, when Osea Perrone, a doctor who became a prominent member of San Francisco’s Italian community, bought 180 acres near the top of Monte Bello Ridge. He terraced the slopes and planted vineyards; using native limestone, he constructed the Monte Bello Winery, producing the first vintage under that name in 1892. This unique cellar, built into the mountainside on three levels, is Ridge’s production facility. At 2600′, it is surrounded by the “upper vineyard.”

“We decided to farm organically because we believe it leads to better grapes and higher quality wines. This approach in the vineyard, plus our traditional approach to winemaking, will provide the finest possible wines for our customers.” – Paul Draper, CEO/winemaker.

Lytton Springs, in Sonoma County, became part of the Ridge estate in 1991. A quarter century’s experience with this vineyard had convinced us that it was an exceptional piece of ground. Forty consecutive vintages of Geyserville attest to yet another stunning combination of location and varietals. Though born in the early sixties to the post-Prohibition world of modern California winemaking, Ridge relies on nature and tradition rather than technology. Our approach is straightforward: find intense, flavorful grapes; intrude upon the process only when necessary; draw the fruit’s distinctive character and richness into the wine. While Ridge is by no means a large grower, they are the largest grower of organically farmed grapes in Sonoma County, and in the Santa Cruz Mountains appellation.